Highway upgrades will mean more jobs

UPGRADES for the Bruce Highway worth $29.2 million will begin next month, creating dozens of jobs.

The works will start in August and will focus on a 7.3km stretch of road south of Ingham between Hechts Rd and Easter Creek.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael Mccormack ( pictured below) said nearly 50 jobs would be created to help the region’s COVID-19 recovery. y

“T h e r e s u l t will be a w i d e r , s a f e r highway with imp r o v e d visibility y and ac- cess, bet- t e r overtaking opportunities and a reduced risk of head-on collisions for motorists,” he said.

Senator Susan Mcdonald ( pictured below) said the project would have a strong and positive impact on local residents as well as visitors.

“This stretch of the Bruce carries s an aver- age of 1 4 , 0 0 0 vehicles e v e r y day,” she e said.

“T h e p r o j e c t will de- l i v e r s a f e t y improve- ments at four Bruce Highway intersections – Catastis Rd, Scrubview Rd, Jourama Falls Rd and Yuruga Rd.

“This is another example of the Australian Government delivering on our $1.9 billion investment in dedicated safety projects as part of our $10 billion commitment towards the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program.”

The construction contract was awarded to BMD Constructions.

New north and southbound overtaking lanes will be built on a separated carriageway between Little Gin Creek and Water View Creek to further improve safety and overtaking opportunities for motorists travelling between Ingham and Townsville.